23 Y/O looking for mid size hot-hatch

[jkk45]

Hi guys,

Was originally gonna get a Fiesta ST-2 or 3, but have decided that I want something a bit bigger (kinda Astra or Focus size) that's also hot.

Not keen on Audis, BMWs or Mercs for obvious reasons (parts are more so repairs are more)

Have already looked at:

Hyundai i30 Turbo- its too slow- 0-60 is 8 seconds
Astra GTC- don't really like it, mainly cos its an Astra
Seat Leon Cupra- don't like flappy paddle


Other than that pretty open to suggestions.

Budget is around £12k- car comes before mortgage at this stage :P

Also Fiesta ST 3 is Insurance Group 30, so would be nice to find something that is in a similar range for insurance prices.


Any questions please ask

[Toyoda]

Have you ruled out the Kia Ceed or Pro_Ceed 1.6 turbo? Seems to fit the bill, a rare choice and most importantly, not German.

[ScoobyChris]

If you like the Fiesta, the Focus ST may be worth a look. I ran a Mk3 ST3 for a year and a bit and the pre-facelift ones are probably in budget now...

Chris

[Hammy98]

I'd look at:

Mk6 Golf GTI,
Focus ST,
Subaru Impreza WRX or WRX S - Hatch,
Leon Cupra - does come in manual,

Oddball - Volvo c30 T5, more GT car but a lovely engine and quite quick.

[anonymous-user]

Mk6 Golf Gti
Focus ST
Seat Leon Cupra R (mk1 225 bam)
Audi S3

[rich85uk]

Probably an earlier Scirocco R or the MK2 Leon Cupra R. Both 265bhp but the VW is far better looking

You would get a spotless FN2 Type R with LSD etc with change from your budget. A FD2 or DC5 could be worth a look but i suspect insurance will be high

[designforlife]

DC5 if you want something that will hold value/appreciate. Technically it is a hatch, and pretty damn practical really.

[ZX10R NIN]

Leftfield Options (I've left them on both of your posts) for you:

VXR (a very capable car)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mazda3 MPS (underrated but not as good as the Focus ST)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Kia Pro C'eed GT Tech (more of a warm hatch when compared to the above)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The obvious answer is the Megane RS:

[Shrimpvende]

Another left field choice - Octavia VRS 230?

Same powertrain as a golf GTI in a cheaper and more practical package. Pretty insurance friendly too - I'm 24 and have just ordered one for my daily, £460 fully comp with mirrored NCB's which was cheaper than other similar cars.

[AAD44H]

BMW M135i if you can stretch a little! They are fantastic!

[Bordtea]

Has to be a Megane RS250 surely? Cup chassis so you get the LSD is a must (denoted by red calipers). Map easily to 300bhp - IMO there is simply no car more capable in the price bracket bar perhaps an Evo but then you enjoy the associated running costs and insurance!

• In the interests of transparency, I am also 23 and an owner of one of the above! So potentially biased!...